Lakes, leisure centres and places to swim around Toulouse

It's summer, the weather is nice, it's hot! You are near Toulouse and you want to go swimming? Between the Garonne, the rivers and lakes of the Toulouse region, you are spoiled for choice.

Whether you prefer to stay in the Toulouse metropolitan area to enjoy the comfort and infrastructure of the pink city or are more tempted by a more natural environment, on the lakes and aquatic leisure centers in the surrounding area, there is something for everyone. The Toulouse Pyrenees Guide takes you to cool off at the water's edge and reveals the best spots for swimming and enjoying the water in the Toulouse region.

Opening photo: © Drew Dau | Unsplash

Cool off on the bodies of water in the Toulouse metropolitan area

The Toulouse metropolitan area is very vast and includes natural spaces that make the people of Toulouse happy. Very close to the city, but in the countryside for a change of scenery, the leisure centers are little corners of paradise for families.

• At the Wam Park leisure centre at Lac de Sesquières, you can satisfy all your desires: paddle, kayak and canoe rental, sailing lessons, water games, towed buoys, etc. And why not try a more unusual activity : water skiing or wakeboarding ? Outside the leisure centre, the lakeside is also very well equipped with picnic tables, toilets, a playground and sports area, a bar and a brasserie... But be careful: swimming is prohibited outside of water activities.
• Accessible by bus from Toulouse city centre, the Ramée Leisure Centre in Tournefeuille offers all sorts of sports and leisure activities to please the whole family. In addition, swimming is permitted from 12pm to 7pm at the “Ramée Plage”.

• The Lac de la Thésauque leisure center has all the necessary comforts and a playground for children. But what families love most is the inflatable aquatic structures at Aquaparc Toulouse. If you prefer a quieter activity, you can rent a pedal boat.

Thesauque Lake

You need freshness, but you are not bold enough to swim in the wild. Swimming pools are made for you:

• The Nakache swimming pool has two pools: one is open for the summer and the other is covered for the winter. This is also the case for the Bellevue swimming pool.
• The Ancely and Chapou swimming pools are only accessible in summer, since their pools are open air. They have the advantage of offering a solarium.
• The Toulouse-Lautrec, Papus and Pech David swimming pools have a removable cover. Depending on the weather, you can swim under cover or enjoy the sun.
• The Castex and Parc des Sports swimming pools have Olympic pools. You might be able to break a few records there!
• Several indoor swimming pools are available for rainy days: Alban Minville, Alex Jany, Jean Boiteux swimming pools.

Have fun at the leisure centres in the Toulouse region

• The Awake Park leisure centre on Lake Braguessou is a former gravel pit. This original place has been completely redesigned and fitted out to welcome you. Swimming is supervised and barbecues are available for your picnics. On site, you can try your hand at wakeboarding and paddleboarding, and even water skiing !
• The Source Wake Park on the Carbonne lake offers many activities for adults and children from 6 years old. Aqua Park, water ski lift, stand-up paddle, you'll have a blast! The youngest can have fun on the playground, while parents enjoy the sports fields or play a game of pétanque.
• The Bruguières Lake Leisure Centre has a major asset for families: its miniature port of "Ti'Pirates". On this body of water, swimming is not possible but an unforgettable moment with the family. Children will be able to experience navigation, aboard electric boats. The boats accommodate up to 4 people and you can share this activity with the youngest. Guaranteed laughs!
• On Lake Bessières, at the Original Green Park, you will experience thrills: water skiing and wakeboarding! But you can also rent stand-up paddle boards or lounge in the sun on their terrace…
• At the Lac de l'Orme Blanc, in the commune of Caraman, east of Toulouse and not far from the Tarn, there is no noisy leisure center, but you will appreciate the calm and serenity. Between its sandy beach and its shaded lawns, it is a place of family and friendly relaxation. You can swim there, fish or stroll along the edge of the lake.

La Source Wake Park is THE leisure center in the south of Toulouse, just 35 minutes from the city center!

© La Source Wake Park

Canoeing on the Garonne, the Ariège or the Canal du Midi

Although swimming on the banks of the Garonne and Ariège is very tempting during the summer, be careful all the same. The river and the stream can be treacherous, especially after a storm. In the surrounding rivers, swimming is also prohibited, because the bottom can drop suddenly and reach a depth of 3 to 4 meters in places.

Swimming, during a kayak or canoe trip, to get the best spots!

To enjoy it in complete safety, we advise you to contact professionals and to be accompanied during a canoe trip. It is a very pleasant, refreshing sport and you will be able to contemplate this still preserved environment, along the water. In addition, they will be able to indicate the authorized and recommended swimming areas.

On the Garonne, several stations welcome you:

• Canoe-Kayak Toulousain in the heart of Toulouse;
• Canoe 31 in Gagnac-sur-Garonne

On the Ariège:

• In Clermont-le-Fort, Canoë Kayak Granhota offers you sports, discovery or relaxation courses. Accompanied or independently, you can discover Ariège in all its facets!
• Verneque White Waters

On the Garonne Canal :

• Nautical circle of Granada in Castelnau d'Estretefonds

On the Gesse or the Savès :

• Canoeing in Gascony in Sabaillan

Relaxing on a cruise on the Garonne

Bateaux Toulousains allow you to take beautiful excursions on the Garonne and the Canal du Midi. Themed cruises of different durations are offered. To have another point of view on the pink city and its surroundings, you can also take night walks. It is a good way to discover the region and enjoy the freshness of the river, without getting tired or getting wet!

In Lauragais, in Renneville, board a Surcouf barge for a gentle stroll on the Canal du Midi.

Our good plan : Here are all the good places to cool off and have fun in the Guinguettes of Toulouse and Haute-Garonne.

A beautiful refreshing ride with the Surcouf barge

You are now ready to swim and cool off by the water in the Toulouse region. All you have to do is choose your swimsuit and jump in…

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